Press · Documentary · Community Events
· Rialto Fontana NAACP, Branch Unit 1057
O’Day Short: An Act of Justice Featured in Special Screening at NAACP Community Leadership Awards Banquet
Rialto, California, September 27, 2026
The Rialto Fontana NAACP, Branch Unit 1057, hosted its Community Leadership Awards Banquet on Sunday, September 27, 2026, bringing together distinguished community leaders, advocates and supporters for an evening dedicated to recognizing leadership, service and positive community impact.
The evening also featured a special screening of the documentary short film O’Day Short: An Act of Justice, produced by E’Ian West, George Sharperson and Clarissa Trejo.
The documentary revisits the tragic story of the O’Day Short family, whose lives were lost following a devastating fire at their Fontana, California, home in 1945. The film examines the family's experience with racial discrimination, intimidation and housing segregation while honoring their courage and lasting place in California civil rights history.
The special screening provided an opportunity to connect the historical significance of the Short family's story with the NAACP's continuing mission of advancing civil rights, equality and community empowerment.
The banquet celebrated distinguished leaders whose contributions reflect the organization's commitment to service and community progress.
Event Details
- Event:
- Rialto Fontana NAACP Community Leadership Awards Banquet
- Date:
- Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Venue:
- Fontana Rialto Elks Lodge
- Address:
- 1540 West Rialto Avenue, Rialto, California
- Doors Opened:
- 6:00 PM
- Event Hours:
- 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Attire:
- Formal
- Admission:
- $75 per person or $700 per table
- Dinner Options:
- Brisket, poultry or vegetarian
- Additional Event Detail:
- Keepsake souvenir photo included
Distinguished Leaders Recognized
The official event flyer highlighted the following individuals:
- Gabriel Cannon, Master of Ceremonies
- Jeanette Townsend
- Justice Richard T. Fields
- Jody Isenring
- Joseph Williams
- Catherine Cabill
The banquet celebrated community leadership under the theme: "Together, we lead. Together, we thrive."
About the Documentary
O’Day Short: An Act of Justice is a documentary short film examining the story of O’Day Short, his wife Helen and their two children, Barry and Carol Ann, whose deaths became part of a significant chapter in California's civil rights history.
Through historical research and documentary storytelling, the film seeks to preserve the Short family's legacy and introduce their story to future generations.
The documentary is produced by Montage Media Production Company in collaboration with Bricktown Entertainment.